Chapter Impossible Rapids

Shawn Holister stood with one hand on Mercedes Belle's casket to stabilize himself and one hand under Franz Belle's elbow to stabilize her devastated father.

Blinking at the bright Texas sun, Shawn wished they'd done this ‘reception' inside, there was an air-conditioned chapel next to the cemetery, or at least found a shady spot. He was sweating in the ninety degree May afternoon and stupidly wearing his too-expensive Brioni suit.

Him. Wearing Brioni. Mercedes would've insisted he ‘look his handsome best' so he would sweat through it. Nobody from his childhood or teenage years would ever believe Shawn Holister could afford Brioni or was the best friend of a deceased billionaire heiress and the surrogate son of Franz Belle.

His best friend, Grayson Travier, had always believed in him. Grayson was Mercedes' half-brother, a Marine. The first person who saw passed Shawn's angry veneer and offered him friendship and shown him there was happiness and light in the world.

Grayson was killed before his twenty-fourth birthday. Over ten long years ago. Grayson had been his true brother and given him a mother as well. Mama T had taken him in as one of her own, raised and loved him. He needed to go see her.

When they were eighteen, Mama T. admitted to Grayson that the famous and wealthy Franz Belle was his birth father. Grayson connected with the Belle's, the welcomed him with open arms, and then Grayson gave Shawn even more family who loved him and saw the best in him when he brought Mercedes and Franz into Shawn's life.

Mercedes. He blinked at the closed sparkly pink casket, distracted from some Senator being ‘sorry for his loss'. Of course the casket would sparkle just like Mercedes did.

His loss. Nobody knew how deep this loss cost him or how much it would change his life. He'd lost his first best friend at twenty-four and now his second best friend was gone at thirty. Shut up in this metal casket.

Shawn had lost a chunk of his heart when Mercedes died. Sadly her dad was in worse shape than Shawn. If the man didn't implode, or explode, soon, Shawn would be stunned.

He continued to respond to the condolences of the people filing past. Everybody shook Franz's hand and some even hugged the older gentleman. Luckily no one offered a hand or a hug to Shawn. It was all he could do to hold on to the casket and to Franz. The connections to Mercedes grounded him and kept him from sinking to his knees in the spongy grass beneath his Stuart Weitzmann's.

Why they had to do this receiving line before the graveside service was a mystery to him. But Mercedes had everything planned out, of course she did, even a list of who should be invited. As a rule Shawn never told her no and he knew Franz had been even more indulgent with his daughter and only remaining family member.

What else do I have to do sitting in this hospital bed but plot and plan?Mercedes had said all the time.

He almost smiled at that but of course a man didn't smile at the graveside service of his best friend and supposed girlfriend. Happy, impetuous, driven, caring, incredible Mercedes.

If only Jagger and Hays could be here. His closest friends besides Mercedes, Captain Jagger Lemuel and Lieutenant Hays West were on a no-com SEAL assignment. Shawn had begged their CO General Bates to let him speak to them, but the guy stone-walled him. He could've used their support and they could've used the closure of being here at Mercedes' funeral.

His friends had lost too many people they loved. They were each incredible soldiers, loyal friends, and the best men around, but they were hardened from loss and years of fighting, seeing and inflicting death. He said a quick prayer for their safety and for them to feel the Savior's love.

Feeling eyes on him, he glanced across the cemetery and caught Julie studying him. He gave her a brief smile. She pounded her fists together and then raised one hand in a peace sign, something funny they'd seen on social media. He almost laughed before he caught himself. Julie was one of the few people in this world who could make him laugh.

She winked, and then turned to check that everything was going smoothly—security in place, guests moving along in the line then finding their seats, everybody happy. That was Julie. Mercedes plotted and planned and Julie took care of everything and everybody.

Except for him. She used to try to do things for him, and he'd explain he didn't need any help. He hoped kindly. Julie was great—smart, hilarious, organized, with-it, talented, gorgeous … He pushed that last thought away. What did it matter that her deep-brown eyes were mesmerizing and the perfect compliment to her golden hair and tanned skin? Everybody, including Julie, thought he was romantically in love with Mercedes. He had to keep that charade up for now—for Franz, Mercedes, Grayson, and their family legacy.

But Julie ... She deserved an incredible man in her life. She rarely said yes to the various men chasing her, and Shawn was secretly relieved by that fact. He would do anything for her. She was in his inner circle just like Jagger and Hays, but even his three closest friends had no idea what he'd committed to and why. He hoped he and Franz weren't making a mistake. He would do anything for Franz and this plan seemed to have the best chance of removing the target from Franz's back and placing it squarely on Shawn. He wasn't afraid but the responsibility was heavy. Would the world laugh or simply raise their eyebrows when the news was released to the press?

Pushing those worries away he let his eyes track Julie as she chatted with Crown Prince Tristan of Augustine and his wife Jennifer. It was kind of those two to fly over for the service. Shawn and Mercedes had spent almost a week in the Augustine castle. It would've been relaxing and fun, except the reality show that week featuring Quaid Raven and Anna Marley had gone infinitely wrong.

How would Julie hold up without Mercedes? The two had been thick as church ladies planning the yearly charity banquet, but they'd been planning and scheming and matchmaking for Mercedes' ‘swan-song' her reality show obsession. Most of the shows had something go wrong and Mercedes would predictably worry about her ‘darling couple' being in danger and Julie would get to work and try to fix it all. Shawn would try to support and protect them both.

Most people thought Shawn was a closed-off, jerk. He supposed they were right, but he'd also played that role at Grayson and Franz's request. Mercedes was far too beautiful, impetuous, and giving. If she hadn't had Shawn by her side to keep people away, especially men with designs on her money or her beauty, who knows what would've happened to her and her fortune.

He frowned. It was hard for him to care about the fortune. Mercedes was gone and what did all that money do for anyone? What was he going to do with all that money? He had no idea.

Franz Belle was so unstable right now Shawn could only pray he was helping and not hurting the man by agreeing to implement his plans. He'd suggested professional psychiatric help and Franz vehemently refused. Shawn had decided to do what he did best—quietly support, protect, and strengthen.

Suddenly the man stiffened.

"What?" Shawn asked, but then he cried out like a little boy seeing his beloved mom after a long week at scout camp. "Mama T!"

"Isabella," Franz said stiffly before Shawn could pull the exquisite French lady into his arms. "You look very beautiful."

"Thank you, Franz," she said just as stiffly. She brushed past Franz and grabbed Shawn in the fierce hug he needed so badly.

"Mama," he whispered. She was too thin but still smelled of lavender. The smell and Mama's arms around him, relaxed him. At six-three and two-twenty he had her by a foot in height and a hundred pounds in weight but it felt as if she was surrounding him. Mama T. would always take care of him, fight for him, love him, see the best in him.

This was first time he'd let his guard down since the night Mercedes passed. He'd sobbed that night. He was tempted to cry now, but was still aware that a large crowd and ‘selective media' were watching.

Mama pulled back, looking classy as ever in a black, fitted dress with a black hat complimenting her silky brunette hair.

"Let me look at you, my boy." Her French accent was soft and faded but he still thought she was the most exotic and kind lady. She framed his face with her soft hands and stared deeply into his eyes. Her green eyes as clear and sharp as ever.

"My shy boy has grown into the most handsome and confident man on earth," she said proudly.

Shawn smiled. He felt like the best person on earth when Mama T. was around. Mercedes and Julie made him feel that way too. He knew they were all just merciful and kind as he wasn't worth much at all.

"I've missed you," she said.

"I've missed you too, Mama." He felt awful that he hadn't been to visit in months. Mercedes had been needy at the end and Isabella Travier was one of the few people Mercedes did not want to see. She never said anything disparaging about Grayson's mother, probably knowing Shawn wouldn't have allowed it, but Mercedes believed her father's story that Isabella had hidden Grayson from them for eighteen years.

The truth was Franz had been legally married to Mercedes' mom and had married Isabella under an assumed name. The man had been a bigot and a liar. The poor immigrant Isabella had been stunned when she saw a photo in the checkout stand of the handsome Franz Belle inheriting billions from his family estate. Also featured in the photos and article was his beautiful wife, Nannette.

Isabella shut Franz out of her life. She'd been furious and he'd wisely let her go and focused on his pregnant wife. Franz hadn't known Isabella was expecting his son, and to her credit Isabella had never run his name through the mud but she also didn't tell him about his son. Shawn definitely thought Franz was to blame but he'd never said as much to Mercedes.

"Can I see you after …" He tilted to his head toward Franz. He'd have to be here for Franz until … When could he in good conscience not be here for Franz? Mercedes' dad needed him possibly more than Mercedes ever had. Especially with his money-grubbing cousin's demands growing uglier by the week.

"I'll be here as long as you need, my boy," she said, patting his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you. Thank you for coming." He knew he needed to let her go and keep this line of sorrow-wishers moving, but it was almost as difficult as kissing Mercedes' cold cheek before they closed the casket an hour ago.

"I will always be here for you." She smiled gently at him and then released him, tilting her head proudly and sauntering off.

"She stole my boy," Franz muttered from Shawn's side.

Shawn stiffened. Did he need to be loyal to Mercedes or Mama T. at this moment? Luckily one of Mercedes' actress friends was patting Franz's arm and took his attention. Shawn held himself erect. He didn't touch the casket or Franz as he watched Julie direct Mama T. to a seat. Mama T. sat regally.

Julie caught Shawn's gaze and her eyes asked the question. Was he all right?

No. He let down his guard and admitted. He didn't know that he'd ever be all right again.

Maybe if Julie could hold him and comfort him.

He startled and pushed those thoughts away. Nobody needed to hold or comfort him, especially not Mercedes' best friend. When Julie found out the truth about him and Mercedes would she distance herself from him?

Most likely.

He nodded to her and focused on the beautiful brunette actress who wanted to express condolences to him now. He couldn't even remember the woman's name and she was suddenly pressed against him, hugging him, and whispering, "If you need a friend, I'm available any time."

Shawn stiffened and stepped back, forcing a smile. "I have plenty of friends, thank you." Not the kind of friend she was intoning but he didn't worry about semantics.

"My offer still stands." She raised a thin shoulder, ran her tongue along her top lip, and then pranced off.

He pushed out a breath, hoping the media hadn't caught that interchange. A quick glance around revealed Julie watching the actress with a narrowed gaze. If only Julie could be the kind of ‘friend' that lady had tried to offer. Julie was pure and hilarious and would never drop a line like that.

If only this was all over. He could talk to Mama T. and somehow make sense of the grief, the pain, how he was supposed to take care of Franz, and ever move on with a normal life. Who was he kidding? His life had never been normal and now he had the responsibility of a fortune he had no desire for and no real claim to. He could only imagine what Franz's cousins would have a lot to say about that.

Speak of the devil's minions. The next couple in line stepped up to Franz and the muscles in Shawn's upper body engaged. He pressed closer to Franz and glowered as fiercely as he could. Which he'd read in media articles was pretty fierce. ‘The Viking Warrior glowers at Mercedes Belle's admirers, striking fear into any would-be suitors' heart'. He'd read other such drivel and he and Mercedes had laughed about it.

The woman glanced at him and cowered into her husband. The man sneered almost as impressively as Shawn could.

"Don't think you'll be the one to get away with my money, you whelp," Lucas Belle said in a low voice. "I foresee an unfortunate accident in your future."

"Oh, we're threatening each other now?" Shawn smirked. "My turn?" He leaned closer. "You get close to or threaten Franz again, it will be the last gurgling noise that ever escapes your throat."

Arianna whimpered.

"You think you could kill me?" Lucas bit at him.

"I could do anything I wanted to you, but I'd simply remove your tongue." Shawn smiled coldly.

"Make all the threats you want, we'll see who has the last laugh. You've got no legal leg to stand on."

"We'll see about that." Franz acted as calm and confident as Shawn had seen him in months. Good for him.

It was interesting that Lucas appeared convinced the fortune would go to Shawn. Was he simply speculating and trying to trip them up or did he have an inside source? He'd have to talk to Franz about that later.

"You are not welcome here," Shawn said. "It would be my honor to personally escort you off the premises, or you can choose the assistance of our capable security team, or I suppose you could leave without making a scene. What will it be?"

"You aren't family Shawn Holister," Lucas said. "You're an imposter who has no right. You'd better watch your back."

Lucas ushered his whimpering wife away, not looking back.

The next couple in line was crowding in but Franz glanced up at Shawn. "Don't underestimate him."

"I won't."

It was a pledge. Another one. Shawn's pledges to the Belle family were so numerous he should probably write them all down so he didn't overlook anything.

He put his hand on the casket again. For Mercedes and Grayson. They'd both loved him and only seen the good in him.

He'd do whatever he had to do for them.